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The world of lenses is pretty vast; however, there are some that will remain all-time favorites no matter what. One such lens is the 35mm. It is beloved by many and rightfully so. It is the best option if you are just starting out with wide-angle photography. Even if you are more akin to it, the 35mm is always a good lens to have in your camera bag.
The problem is that finding the best lens for your camera can be a bit tricky as there are just too many options to choose from. However, if you own a Canon camera, you are in luck because this buyer’s guide will tell you all you need to know about the best 35mm lenses for Canon.
Contents
Review of the Best 35mm Lenses For Canon
Now that we have a little background information, let’s get started with the most important part of the buyer’s guide, which is the review of the best 35mm lenses for Canon.
Best Overall: Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II
PROS
- Full-frame lens that works with all formats
- Auto focus feature works well and provides clear images
- Low aperture provides excellent performance in low light
- Sharp lens provides crisp and clear images without distortion
- Coated with a sub-wavelength coating (SWC) which reduces ghost flares
CONS
- Lens is a bit bulky and a little on the heavier side
What Recent Buyers Report
This Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II USM Lens is an instant favorite for the majority of buyers. The performance that this lens provides is what captures the hearts of its users. Many buyers have even uploaded sample photographs to make a point about the amazing results one can achieve with it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Every single thing about this lens stands out. Color, sharpness, focus, and aperture; it checks out on all of these aspects. It is dust-sealed as well and made from high-quality materials, which make it durable. The performance is amazing in well-lit and low light settings alike.
Who Will Use This Most
The Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L II is a very versatile lens. It can be used by those who enjoy wide-angle photography, for example, landscapes and scenery. However, that is not all. Since the aperture is low, it can also be used in low light settings such as night events/parties.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is very easy to fall in love with this piece of hardware. It has all the features that you would want from a good lens, and it is comfortable to use. If you are looking for a well-rounded model, then this is the one for you.
- Focal Length & Maximum Aperture: 35mm f/1.4
- Subwavelength Coating (SWC) helps significantly reduce lens ghosting and flare.Lens Construction: 14...
- Diagonal Angle of View: 63°
Runner-up: YONGNUO YN 35mm F2
PROS
- Compact and is easy to store
- Captures bokeh shots very well
- Image quality is high, especially in the center
- Low light performance is good as the aperture is low
- Lightweight, weighing only 150g and is easy to carry around
CONS
- Auto focus feature of the lens is a bit noisy
- Image quality reduces along the edges of the image
What Recent Buyers Report
This YONGNUO YN 35mm F2 Lens has its fair share of positive reviews. Many buyers are satisfied with its performance, considering its price point. In addition to that, it is very easy and comfortable to use. The only negative aspect that was mentioned was the noise created by the auto focus feature. However, that is not much of an issue.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The overall performance of this lens is what makes it stand out. It is comparatively an inexpensive model, but it has all the features one would look for. The aperture is f/2, which is pretty good for low light photography. In addition to that, it is compact and will not be an added weight to your camera bag.
Who Will Use This Most
This lens will attract a huge audience, especially beginners. Since it is easy to use, it will help beginners learn the ins and outs of wide-angle photography. Apart from beginners, this lens is well suited for anyone who enjoys wide-angle photography.
Bottom Line
YONGNUO provides a good option for a 35mm lens, especially for those who are just starting off in the world of photography. It is quite simple to operate, and the features it has can be mastered easily, making it a great investment.
- View-angle Coverate：Diagonal 63 Degree/Vertical 38 Degree/Horizontal 54 Degree.
- Lens structure: 5 sets, 7 pieces
- Minimum aperture: f/22, minimum focusing distance: 0. 25M/ 0. 8ft, maximum magnification: 0. 23x.
Best for the Money: Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro
PROS
- No need to worry about distortion with it
- Does not weigh a lot; therefore, it is easy to carry and handle
- STM (stepper motor) makes the auto focus feature quiet and smooth
- Lens is small and compact so fitting it in the camera bag will be no problem
- Chromatic aberration is very well controlled, only appearing in some situations
CONS
- Although the lens is lightweight, the build quality is not the best
What Recent Buyers Report
The reviews for this Canon EF-S 35mm f/2.8 Macro Lens are overwhelmingly positive. Buyers have a hard time picking out flaws from it. It gives a very good performance. Plus, many of the buyers reported that it has great value since it offers an adequate number of features and amazing results, all at a very affordable price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a macro lens and a very good one at that. It is capable of capturing each and every detail, bringing out the best in the shot. Apart from that, the auto focus feature works just perfectly without making a sound. This is a very good lens that offers quality and value.
Who Will Use This Most
Although this is a macro lens, it can be utilized in many different ways. Obviously, those who enjoy close-up photography will opt for this. However, it also provides great portraits and does well with bokeh shots as well.
Bottom Line
All in all, this lens is perfect for anyone looking for quality on a budget. The features and specifications has allowed the user to explore many different styles. The best thing is that it is not heavy on the pocket compared to other lenses.
- EF-S series macro Lens with built-in macro Lite
- Bright f/2.8 aperture and 35mm standard angle of view
- Hybrid image stabilization
Best 35mm Prime Lens Canon: Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM
PROS
- Fixed focal length allows the user to develop skills
- Lightweight and easy to carry around in a camera bag
- Lower aperture gives excellent results in low light settings
- Captures clear and sharp images, capturing all the necessary details
- Compact lens is easy to store and travel with you no matter where you go
CONS
- Illumination at the edges of the image is somewhat less than that at the center
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers have referred to Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM Wide-Angle Lens as their go-to lens. It has gained a great deal of praise because of its amazing performance despite its small size. Everything from image quality to the auto focus has been positively reviewed.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This lens is a complete package. It has a good build. It’s lightweight and compact, and even then, it incorporates many features like a low aperture and amazing auto focus. The sharpness of this lens is also very good as it helps to capture clear and crisp shots.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a very good lens and can be used for general purposes as well. For example, it is great for an unplanned shoot where one would not want to change lenses often. It is a good option for street photography as well.
Bottom Line
If you want a 35mm prime, lens than you should definitely consider this lens by Canon as it has it all. It is easy to use and is definitely a good option for professionals and beginners alike. Plus, it is highly versatile, making it a great pick.
Best Canon 35mm 1.4 Lens: Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM
PROS
- Captures colors and details accurately
- Images taken from it are sharp and crisp
- Thanks to the Ring USM auto focus, it is fast and silent
- Compact and fits perfectly into the palm of your hand
- Low aperture provides excellent results even in a low light environment
CONS
- Lens is a bit heavier than your average model
What Recent Buyers Report
According to buyers, the performance of Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM Wide Angle Lens is great. It works very well and can be used in many different situations. The buyers are very satisfied with the results they can get with it. Its weight is something that was criticized a bit; however, it is not a deal-breaker.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This little attachment is not to be underestimated. It has some very nice features such as the Ring USM, which helps out a lot with capturing the perfect image. Apart from that, it can capture crisp and clear images with accurate colors and minimum distortions.
Who Will Use This Most
This lens can be used for various purposes, given its specification. However, if we were to pinpoint something, then it would be great for event photography as it can capture some beautiful bokeh shots. It would also be a great choice for low light photography.
Bottom Line
Wrapping things up, we can easily conclude that this lens is one of the best 35mm lenses by Canon. Although it is a bit heavy, that aspect is overshadowed by all the positive aspects of this small lens. Therefore, with this, your investment won’t go to waste.
- Ring-type UltraSonic Motor (USM)
- Closest focusing distance: 1 foot, The focal length is 35mm
- f/1.4 maximum aperture
Perks of Getting a New 35mm Lens
Why should one invest in a new 35mm lens? That is a pretty valid question. There are some perks associated with investing in one. Let’s find out what these perks are.
Longevity
Lenses last you a very long time. While camera models are frequently updated, lenses are not. They are more like a one-time investment as they stay the same and can fit onto the camera body even if it has been updated. Therefore, it is ultimately better to get a new lens as it will serve you for a long time, and it will not get outdated anytime soon.
Variety
Getting a new lens will definitely add variety to your collection. It can add a fresh perspective to your work. It also gives you a chance to explore different angles and discover new styles that can help you improve your work overall.
Damage-Free
Investing in a new 35mm lens will mean that you will get yourself a piece of equipment that is absolutely damage-free. It will function better, and in case any problems arise, they can always be solved through the warranty. That is why investing in your equipment is much better than buying second hand.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Lens?
There are many aspects that you need to look out for when you are deciding on a lens. The list is quite long, but we have reduced it to just a few of the most essential aspects. This way, it will be easier to understand and then distinguish between lenses that you should shortlist and which ones you should not.
Build
The build of your lens is a very important factor. A good quality lens will have a sturdy build. Since it will be made from high-quality materials, it will be durable and will last you much longer than one that is not. The cherry on top would be if the lens was weather-sealed and shockproof as well.
Aperture
The aperture is a bit tricky. Nonetheless, it is an important feature to consider. One thing to remember is that the lower the number of the aperture, the more light it will let in. For example, f/1.4 is a good aperture and will perform amazingly in low lighting.
Image Stabilization
Yet another important feature is image stabilization. This feature is important as it helps to get a focused shot. It does so by reducing handshakes. Opting for a lens without image stabilization can make photography a bit difficult. With this feature, you can capture photographs at slower shutter speeds as well.
Cautious Considerations to Keep in Mind
The following are a few things that you should keep in mind when buying a lens for yourself. These pointers will help you make a better purchase for yourself. Let’s have a look at what these pointers are.
Always Buy Original
It is better to buy an original product rather than buying from a third party. This is especially true for online purchases. We have previously discussed why it is better to buy a new lens rather than a second hand.
It is a fact that a third party may try to sell you a faulty product or even sell the product to you at a higher price. Therefore, if you want to avoid such a situation, it is better to buy from the manufacturer.
What Do You Want to Photograph?
Ask yourself this question before investing in a lens. If you are a beginner and want a lens for general use, then the 35mm is a very good option. However, if you have something else in mind, make sure that the 35mm is capable of capturing the style you are going for.
Zoom or Prime?
This is yet another important question. Prime lenses have a fixed focal length, while zoom lenses can be adjusted. Zoom lenses can offer you convince while prime lenses can offer you a wider aperture. So make sure to sort out what you want before making the final decision.
Pros and Cons of 35mm Lenses
Let’s have a look at some pros and cons of the 35mm lens to give you an overall idea about what it is capable of and what are some of its downsides.
Pros
With such a lens, you get the following benefits:
Versatility
The 35mm lens is a very versatile lens. You can capture all sorts of different shots with it, for example, wide-angle, portraits, and even bokeh. Many users use it for event photography as well as other types of photography, such as sports and food.
Ease of Use
This lens is one of the easiest to use and adapt to without a doubt. It helps beginners learn very quickly and gives them a wide playing field to start off from.
Low Aperture
With these lenses, you get a lower aperture, which is great for shooting in low light settings. So if that is your style, you should definitely add a 35mm lens to your collection.
Cons
The only major drawback of such a lens is:
Soft Around the Edges
Images captured from a 35mm lens can tend to get softer around the edges. While this may not be true for all 35mm lenses, this is a problem that may be encountered while using a 35mm lens.
Conclusion
So that is it for our Buyer’s Guide for the best 35mm lenses for Canon. We hope that the guide was able to help you choose a suitable lens for your camera. The 35mm has always been an all-time favorite, and if you are looking for variety and excellent image quality, the 35mm is a very good option for you.
